The Commonwealth Games Federation has placed child rights at the heart of its first human rights policy statement, published this month.

The landmark statement was released during the Federation’s Executive Board meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and makes specific reference to protecting the rights of children and other vulnerable groups in the planning and delivery of the Games, and throughout the Federation’s operations.

It states: “We are committed to the Commonwealth Charter (2013) and to other regional human rights charters and instruments as may be locally applicable to our operations. The CGF recognises that some rights-holders, for example children, are particularly vulnerable and will be guided by other international human rights standards, codes and principles – such as the Children’s Rights and Business Principles – where their provisions can further support our efforts to respect the rights of particular affected groups.”

The vulnerability of children to sexual exploitation in the context of mega sporting events has been given increased awareness through the campaign. ‘Children Win: Changing the Game of Mega Sporting Events’ by Terre Des Hommes, who contributed to the Global Study. UK-based campaign, ‘It’s a Penalty’, which is supported by numerous sporting personalities, seeks to not only increase awareness of the sexual exploitation of children in the context of sporting events, but also to prevent it through the power of sport.